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PREM ACE TASER DEATH

Doctors battled for 35 minutes to try to save footie star Dalian Atkinson after he was tasered by cops

Tragic footballer was said to have suffered from severe mental health problems before his death

DOCTORS trying to save the ex-Premier League footballer who died after being tasered by police battled for 35 minutes to resuscitate him, an inquest heard today.

Dalian Atkinson died outside his father's home in Shropshire and was said to be suffering from severe mental health problems in the months before his death.

Gifted footballer Atkinson was said to have struggled with severe mental health problems and was in the throws of a meltdown before he died
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Gifted footballer Atkinson was said to have struggled with severe mental health problems and was in the throws of a meltdown before he diedCredit: Getty Images
There was a heavy police presence on the road in Telford, Shropshire, where Atkinson died in the early hours of the morning after being tasered by cops
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There was a heavy police presence on the road in Telford, Shropshire, where Atkinson died in the early hours of the morning after being tasered by copsCredit: PA:Press Association

The tormented footie ace allegedly shouted "I am the Messiah" before cops fired at him three times with the taser.

Two West Mercia Police officers have been suspended and are subject to a criminal investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) after tragic Atkinson's death.

The senior Coroner for Shropshire John Ellery opened an inquest into Dalian's death at Shropshire Coroner's Court today.

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The ex-Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday star is believed to have had underlying kidney and heart problems, but a post-mortem on August 17 was inconclusive and further tests will now be carried out.

The inquest opening heard Atkinson was confirmed dead at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford at 2.40am on August 15.

Tributes poured in the for the footballer after his death.

The football community paid their respects after the death of the former Aston Villa star on August 15
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The football community paid their respects after the death of the former Aston Villa star on August 15Credit: PA:Press Association
Atkinson (top right) is pictured with ex-footie stars (from left) Nick Barmby, Jamie Redknapp, Ray Parlour, Chris Waddle, Paul Ince, and Gary Speed
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Atkinson (top right) is pictured with ex-footie stars (from left) Nick Barmby, Jamie Redknapp, Ray Parlour, Chris Waddle, Paul Ince, and Gary SpeedCredit: Press Association

Coroner's officer Julie Hartridge said: "On August 15 I was informed of the death of Dalian Robert Atkinson at the Princess Royal Hospital.

"Dalian Atkinson was a single man and a retired professional footballer who lived at Apple Cottage, Holly Road, Little Dawley, Shropshire.

"At 1.24am police received a concern for safety call and were advised of an incident at a property in Meadow Road in Telford.

"Police officers were sent to the address and at 1.39am a Tazer was dispatched.

Flowers were placed outside Atkinson's father's house in tribute to the tragic footballer
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Flowers were placed outside Atkinson's father's house in tribute to the tragic footballerCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

She added: "Shortly after being given taser Dalian Atkinson became unresponsive.

"Paramedics arrived and CPR was given following transfer to hospital.

"Following a further 35 minutes of CPR he was confirmed deceased.

"On August 17 Dr Olaf Biedrzycki, a home office pathologist, performed a post-mortem at the University Coventry Hospital and found the cause of death as to be advised pending further investigation.

"At 11am on August 19 the body was identified to Peter Frnech, investigator for the IPCC by Paul Atkinson, the brother of the deceased."

Coroner Mr Ellery adjourned the inquest for three months but said the IPCC investigation could take nine months.

He added: "I am adjourning this case for three months until November 22.

"This is subject to review pending completion of the IPCC investigation, which I am told will take nine months."

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